Honouring 80 Years
Tasmania’s offshore sailing elite recently convened to celebrate eight decades of volunteer effort supporting the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
15 December 2025
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Celebrations were held last week at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT) to recognise the thousands of volunteers whose work has underpinned the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race across its 80-year history.
RYCT Commodore Nick Hutton and Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Commodore Dr Sam Haynes addressed attendees, paying tribute to the tens of thousands of volunteer hours that have consistently helped to deliver one of offshore sailing’s most enduring events.
The Commodores presented commemorative shirts to this year’s volunteers, acknowledging their dedication, professionalism and ongoing contribution to the race’s continued success.
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“To say that Hobart embraces the race is a great understatement with Tasmanians, and many people from interstate and overseas, flocking to the finish to witness one of the most exciting spectacles in the world of yachting.
“The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania thanks its army of volunteers who make the finish of this great race unique around the world,” said Hutton.
Sam Haynes, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia said he was grateful for the partnership with the RYCT.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has long had a wonderful relationship with the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, and more broadly the people of Hobart and the state of Tasmania,” Dr Haynes said.
“The success of the race wouldn’t be possible without the support we receive every year from the RYCT and the race’s volunteers.
“On behalf of the race organisers, I’d like to wish every competitor a safe race,” said Haynes.
Colette Calver, one of two volunteer coordinators for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Hobart Race Village, also spoke about what motivates her to volunteer for this iconic event.
“For me, the story started a long time ago when my late father always took us to the Hobart waterfront for a walk amidst the yachts and colourful pennants, it’s a memorable Hobart activity.
“So, when I see our volunteers sharing with curious children, I know we are creating a safe and joyful experience of our sport just as I experienced in my introduction,” she said.
“Many of our volunteers have grown up knowing the value of this yacht race and Hobart is an exciting finishing port with a community wide celebration of achievement.
“Now I am truly in awe of the challenge, technicality and bravery of the participants of this yacht race which means that I am willing to contribute hours of organisation and involvement to ensure my part of the whole effort is professional.
“As volunteers in the Hobart Race Village, we are welcoming yachts and are part of so many great stories – from the crews, from each other, from visitors to Tasmania and from families who come to the Hobart waterfront,” she added.
“Of course, every volunteer has practical duties as part of our service function – together it’s so much fun within the Hobart Race Village atmosphere!
“We help create a special experience each year – and see smiles, selfies, celebrations, dancing, awards, fireworks, music and so much more…,” said Calver.
She also encouraged anyone interested in volunteering for the Rolex Sydney Hobart at some stage now or into the future is encouraged to get around the event.
“How could you not be tempted to volunteer for a front row at such a world class event?” said Calver.
Ten Tasmanian boats have entered in the 80th blue water classic including 1998 winner Midnight Rambler, skippered by Hobart’s Ed Psaltis.
Psaltis acknowledged the important role of the volunteers and the value he places on the warm arrival into Hobart.
“For over 60 years my father (who has now passed) and I have raced in this great event mostly as owner /skipper.
“We’ve both always believed in the Corinthian spirit behind the race and with that, the critical importance of volunteers at both ends.
Quite simply, without them, this race would not happen – we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”
He added: “I’ve raced around the world but nowhere is the welcome as great as that in Hobart, from both the community and army of volunteers helping in so many ways.”
To date, the 80th anniversary race has attracted a fleet of over 130 yachts from interstate and around the world, including ten entries from Tasmania.
Commodore Hutton, who has been associated with the Rolex Sydney Hobart in many capacities over the years, believes interest in the race has never been stronger, and is looking forward to playing host to the bumper fleet.
“There is no other event in the world like the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and this is reflected in the enthusiasm shown by the volunteers who sign on in their hundreds every year to make it all work.
“We can’t wait for Boxing Day to see 80th race unfold,” said Hutton.
Other Tasmanian boats joining Psaltis on the start line include Ambition (Chris and Lachlan Dare), Hip-Nautic (Robert Gough), Tenacity (John Lawrie/Vaughan Lynch), AdvantEdge (Andrew Jones), Windrose (Ashok Mani), Just Farr Love (Scott Lovell), Flight Mode (Rob Gourlay), Kraken 42S (Mark Bayles), Eye Candy (Thierry and Malo Leseigneur), and Coastwatcher (Craig Coulsen).
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is a 628 nautical mile race that offers a thrilling journey through some of the world’s most stunning and challenging waters.
The Boxing Day race will begin, as always, on Sydney Harbour with thousands of onlookers lining the shore to soak up the spectacle and bid their friends and families’ farewell and good luck.
The fleet then sails into the Tasman Sea, down the southeast coast of Australia, across the notorious Bass Strait, and along the picturesque east coast of Tasmania before turning right at Tasman Island, navigating Storm Bay to the finish line on the River Derwent in Hobart.
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